Strengthening Communities: Service Opportunities during MLK Weekend

"Every man must decide if he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of selfishness. This is the judgment. Life's most persistent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' " - Martin Luther King Jr.

Thanks to All the Volunteers who have volunteered during the MLK Day of Service!

We had close to 100 volunteers at 8 sites this year! We are so grateful for your dedication, creativity, and service! THANK YOU!!!

Strengthening Communities: Closing Reflection: Monday, January 16th at 5pm in the Dwight Hall Common Room (Old Campus, 67 High Street)
For all the volunteers who will be participating in our MLK Service Opportunities throughout the weekend, we are providing a time of reflection upon the work that has happened over the MLK weekend and on Dr. King's Legacy. Refreshments will be served at this event.

Volunteer Service Opportunities: See NEW opportunities below!

CT Food Bank: Friday, January 13th from 1 - 4pm
- About 10 - 15 volunteers needed (Actually, size of group wasn't specified, but they were willing to take more)
- Help sort and organize food for the CT Food Bank. (Other tasks are also involved, depends on size of the group).

Vincent Mauro Elementary School - MLK Readathon & Pajama Party
Saturday, January 14th from 10am - 12noon
(To Get a Ride to the School: Meet at High St. Gate at 9:45am)
- Up to 10 Volunteers Needed

Help Celebrate Dr. King's Birthday with elementary school students at Vincent Mauro! They will be having a "Pajama Party" Themed Read-a-thon, where the children will watch a video about Dr. King, read books about noted Civil Rights Leaders and other influencial African Americans, and there will be (healthy) food and fun for everyone!

Volunteers will help set up for the event and read to children during the event. Yale Volunteers have helped with this event in years past and it has been a blast!

Farnam Neighborhood House - "Biddy Basketball"
Saturday, January 14th anytime between 8:30am - 5:30pm

The Farnam Neighborhood House hosts a Youth Basketball tournament and other games for over 300 children between 6 -14 years old. They would love to have help at this event, either Facilitating/Refereeing Games, Working at the Snack Bar, Cleaning Up between Games, and Playing with the kids!

If you love children, this is a great volunteer opportunity!
(They can accommodate a few or as many volunteers as we can provide!)

Eli Whitney Museum - Updated Times!
Sunday, January 15th anytime between 12noon - 5pm.
or
Monday, January 16th anytime between 9am - 3pm.

They need help assembling "small house kits" to construct a "Ndebele Village" that will help raise funds for the Ndebele Foundation in South Africa.
This is a great opportunity for volunteers who like to do crafts and work with your hands. On Monday, you'll be able to work with Children to create these houses!
(The Project will celebrate the beginning of the Museum's relationship with the Ndebele Foundation in South Africa. The Foundation supports a traditional arts teaching school that honors a tradition of vibrant architectural painting. We will be raising funds to send supplies to that school.)

Peabody Museum:
1. NEW!! Help at the Bernice Johnson Reagon Lecture**
Sunday, January 15th from 4pm - end of talk at Sprague Hall
- 2 Volunteers Needed
Help with set-up and other general help and also hear Bernice Johnson Reagon (from Sweet Honey in the Rock), who has been a major cultural voice for freedom and justice, as a singer, teacher and outspoken critic of racism and organized inequities of all kinds.

2. FULL Lunch Distribution - Either on Sunday (1/15) or Monday (1/16) around lunchtime (noon-ish?) - About 8-10 volunteers needed
- They need help packing & distributing sack lunches for the various schoolchildren, volunteers, and community members who will be receiving lunch at the Peabody Museum.

3. FULL Poetry Slam - Monday (1/16) at 10am for set-up (the actual Poetry Slam is from 1:30 - 4:30pm, and they need volunteers around that time as well) - About 6-8 volunteers needed
- Help with Set-Up, Check-In, Greeting, and other activities during the Poetry Slam.

**For more information about Dr. Reagon's lecture and other events at the Peabody Museum during MLK Weekend, Click Here

Ronald McDonald House: FULL
Either Friday 1/13 or Saturday 1/14 (your choice) in the afternoon - About 6 - 8 volunteers needed
- Help with Light Housekeeping and Yardwork (if weather permits), or help with other volunteer tasks at the House.
- OR Help bake cookies or cook a meal for families currently at the House.

New Haven Reads Book Bank: FULL
Saturday (1/14) from 12noon - 4pm, or Monday (1/16) from 1-6pm - About 4 - 5 volunteers needed on each day or site

The New Haven Reads Book Bank needs help sorting several thousand books that they have moved to their new location on 45 Bristol Street (across the street from the new Yale Police Station). They give out free new and gently used books to the New Haven Community.

They can also use help on Saturday passing out free books at Shaw's Supermarket (e-mail Hannah Croasmun for more details - see below).

More Opportunities to Come Soon!

Please check back at this site for more upcoming opportunities or contact Hannah Croasmun if you have a specific project in mind.

Volunteer Information : If you (or a group of your friends, colleagues and/or organization) would like to sign up for a site, please contact Hannah Croasmun by clicking on the link provided or by calling (203) 432-9041. Most volunteer sites can accommodate groups between 5 - 10 people.

For More Information on More Events during the MLK Weekend: Click Here